Pets

Pet Events: Christmas Cat Cafe, holidays with the birds

An Upper St. Clair woman and her collie attend a pet remembrance service at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Upper St. Clair in 2012 to remember her other dogs who have died.

Christmas Cat Cafe

Meet adoptable cats, including the “shop cat,” at the charming Animal Advocates thrift and resale shop in the West End. The rescue groups Holiday Extravaganza is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. next Saturday at 35 Wabash St., Pittsburgh 15220.

A Christmas Cat Cafe has been set up in the two-story townhouse especially for the extravaganza.

There will be special sales and surprises, giveaways, door prizes, raffle baskets, a Secret Santa Shop.

“Paw-liday Pet Photos will be taken from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. by Chiara Fotografia.

Holidays With the Birds

There’s an entire holiday season of special events at the National Aviary on the North Side, where halls and exhibits are festively decorated.

First up is Photos with Santa and his penguin helper from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and next Saturday, included with admission. Use your own camera to get a photograph of your child visiting Santa Claus and an African penguin. Kids can stop by Santa’s Aviary Workshop and make a craft to take home.

Friday is a Holiday Shopping Day. National Aviary members get 20 percent off all items in the gift and garden shops. Nonmembers get 10 percent off.

Space is limited and reservations are required for the Dec. 10 Brunch with Santa featuring Atria’s. Cost is $32 for adult members and $17 for children 4-10 years old. Nonmember adults pay $37 and $19.50 for children. That cost includes admission to the aviary, a special bird appearance and a children’s craft kit. Call 412-258-9445 to reserve a spot.

An African penguin will paint with his or her feet at 3 p.m. Dec. 10. You pick out two colors, and the penguin walks through the paint and then over an 11-inch-by-14-inch canvas that is suitable for framing and gift giving. The cost is $40. Call 412-258-9445 to reserve a spot.

Gift wrapping

Shop till you drop, then have your gifts wrapped by volunteers at three locations. Your donations will help the dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals at Humane Animal Rescue shelters in Homewood, North Side and Verona.